IMMUnity Unveiled: A Translational NETwork for tackling PARKinson's Disease - IMMUPARKNET [version 2; peer review: 2 approved]
IMMUnity Unveiled: A Translational NETwork for tackling PARKinson's Disease - IMMUPARKNET [version 2; peer review: 2 approved]
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Original abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects more than one million people in the EU. It currently has no definitive cure, meaning that patients rely only on symptomatic treatments, which themselves are burdened by side effects. The need for advancements in both knowledge and available treatments is thus strongly felt by patients, caregivers, and health operators. This unmet need sparked the idea of orchestrating a collaborative effort via a common network – IMMUPARKNET (The role of IMMUnity in tackling PARKinson’s disease through a Translational NETwork). The IMMUPARKNET COST Action focuses on challenges in PD and its related crosstalk with immune response. Although widely recognized, the role of immunity in the onset and development of PD is still unclear. The main goal of IMMUPARKNET is to fill this knowledge gap by establishing an innovative, interdisciplinary research network and fostering exchanges of expertise among specialists from different countries and institutions. As we gather scientists and clinicians who study immunity in PD and related fields, IMMUPARKNET will establish the first nucleus of a multidisciplinary ecosystem that aims to harmonize efforts and approaches, both in research and clinical practice, to boost the development of ground-breaking treatments for PD. Through meetings, training schools, webinars, position papers, and review manuscripts, IMMUPARKNET will lead fruitful exchanges of know-how among experts in the field. The IMMUPARKNET structure revolves around 5 working groups, with a total of 157 active members from 34 different countries. Of these active members, 58.5% are young researchers, while 67.5% come from Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITC - less research-intensive COST Members; https://www.cost.eu/about/members/). IMMUPARKNET output will facilitate the improved sharing and development of research resources, straightening the road to novel treatments and identifying where existing ones can be repurposed, all, ultimately and hopefully, finding a cure for PD. [REVISED] Amendments from Version 1 Significant revisions have been made to enhance clarity, scientific value, and alignment with the feedback provided. The scientific objectives of the initiative have been clearly defined, highlighting IMMUPARKNET’s dual role in advancing scientific understanding and fostering collaboration and awareness. These objectives include publishing review manuscripts and opinion articles (with some already submitted), participating in dissemination activities, and actively engaging with stakeholders to ensure the Action’s long-term sustainability. In the revised manuscript, a discussion has been added to address the challenges of patient recruitment and monitoring across Europe. This section outlines specific recruitment mechanisms and inclusion/exclusion criteria, including references to peer-reviewed publications from our ongoing Action (currently under review) which provide clear recommendations for educating clinicians on how to study immune responses in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) patients. To contextualize IMMUPARKNET’s contributions, a comparative overview has been included, positioning it alongside global Parkinson's Disease initiatives, such as Parkinson Europe and the World Parkinson Coalition. IMMUPARKNET’s unique focus on immune response education and symptom management, particularly at early disease stages, has been emphasized as complementary rather than competitive. These updates enhance the overall quality and rigor of the study. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Framework Programme for Research & Innovation as part of the COST Action under grant agreement No CA21117 (The role of IMMUnity in tackling PARKinson’s disease through a Translational NETwork [IMMUPARKNET]), as supported by the COST Association (European Cooperation in Science and Technology). The authors will also like to acknowledge the following financial support: M.G (University of Elbasan “Aleksandër Xhuvani”); S.A. (#AFR14566210 – from the Fonds National de la Recherche (FNR) of Luxembourg); I.F. (2022.00151.CEECIND – from Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT) of Portugal); A.F. (PhD course in Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Medical Humanities from University of Insubria); N.N. (451-03-47/2023-01/200007 from Ministry of Science, Technological Development, and Innovations, Republic of Serbia); L.M.D. is supported by the “Río Hortega” program (CM21/00051) from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Spain); C.C. is supported by the AGING PROJECT —Department of Excellence— Università del Piemonte Orientale. [Plain Language Summary] Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects more than one million people in the EU. It currently has no definitive cure, meaning that patients rely only on symptomatic treatments, which themselves are burdened by side effects. The need for advancements in both knowledge and available treatments is thus strongly felt by patients, caregivers, and health operators. This unmet need sparked the idea of orchestrating a collaborative effort via a common network – IMMUPARKNET (The role of IMMUnity in tackling PARKinson’s disease through a Translational NETwork). Although widely recognized, the role of immunity in the onset and development of PD is still unclear. The main goal of IMMUPARKNET is to fill this knowledge gap by establishing an innovative, interdisciplinary research network and fostering exchanges of expertise among specialists from different countries and institutions. This article is included in COST Action gateway. Peer reviewed